Unexpected

A couple weeks ago a friend casually invited me to our church’s Women’s Retreat, and I sort of bristled at the idea. I was happy to promote the retreat to others, talk it up, but wasn’t looking to “enlist.” I had been in 2006, and loved it, but wasn’t actively pursing the retreat because a lot of my close friends weren’t going. I do love to be alone, but, like most, find comfort in being surrounded by friends.

And, yet, there I was—an opportunity to go on the retreat, and I couldn’t bring myself to say no. I had been feeling burnt out by the ordinary day-to-day stuff, and the idea of a break from it all sounded incredibly attractive. Along with some respite, I was also looking forward to getting back in touch with God. I'm the first to admit that my default status is being a fair-weather Christian, and knew that some time alone with God was desperately needed.

And so I went, and I’m so glad I did. I went on my own, and thoroughly enjoyed the car ride alone. I roomed alone, and returned alone, and absolutely, positively loved it. The silence, the peace was just amazingly therapeutic and rejuvenating.

And, although I didn’t know who would be there, I was delightfully surprised to see some people that I hadn’t expected on seeing. I sat in a room on Saturday evening with three women that I casually knew and talked about life—where we've been, where we’re at, what we’re up against, and where we’re heading—and I absolutely loved it. I love being surprised by a moment such as that one. I didn't expect it would happen, and yet I was so glad it did. More so, I'm so glad I didn't miss it. God was there—not just Saturday night, but the whole weekend—and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to re-connect with Him. I feel challenged, I feel different, and I feel more alive. It’s amazing what a "timeout from life" can do for your soul.

And, I’d be remiss to not acknowledge that the weekend “worked” because Dan happily took the reins, and totally embraced the idea of a daddy-daughter weekend. I loved coming home and seeing and hearing that everything had gone well. I can not say it enough—I was (am) impressed with Dan.

Aside from my recent retreat experience, we rounded out April by celebrating Easter with Tom and Sydney, taking the girls to an Easter Egg Hunt, celebrating my 32nd birthday, and taking Ro to a specialist to check out her umbilical hernia (we’re going to give it more time to take care of itself).

As far as "year 32" goes, it doesn’t feel much different, but I am becoming more aware that I’m not getting younger (duh!) and nor are my loved ones; being/becoming healthy/healthier is mission critical; and pondering who I am, and who I want to be (and what God says about this too). Big stuff, big discussions—a little heavy for a birthday conversation, but certainly what is on my mind. More on this soon, but for now, enjoy some recent pictures of the girls!

One of the "best" (or at least the funniest) of me and the girls on Easter Sunday.

Ro munching on some cookies from her Easter basket. Gosh, she's cute.

Dan trying to impart his love of Sushi to his daughter. It worked.

A cuddle moment.

A "put the camera down and tend to me" moment.

A "I wish I was Romey!" kind of moment. I love her expression, and her blonde hair blowing in the wind. I can still hear her giggling.

More giggles.

And.....a serene shot of Avery. She is a beautiful girl......

........but, can, at times, have a phony smile!